In this episode of The Grass is Greener, Tim welcomes Evguenia Rutkowski, a passionate financial adviser specialising in retirement and pre-retirement planning. Evguenia shares her insights on superannuation strategies, especially for women navigating financial transitions like divorce or late-career planning.
Key Topics Covered:
- Why superannuation matters—especially for women
- Salary sacrifice vs. personal deductible contributions
- Catch-up contributions and how MyGov helps track them
- Transition to retirement strategies: reducing hours, paying off debt, and boosting super
- Non-concessional contributions and in-specie transfers
- The importance of personalised projections and holistic financial advice

Connect with Evguenia:https://www.linkedin.com/in/evguenia-rutkowski-aba419a3/Park Lane Advice Group:
https://parklaneadvicegroup.com.au/

In this short but powerful episode, we dive into the critical topic of Binding Death Nominations (BDBN) and why they matter for your superannuation. Unlike your will, your super doesn’t automatically go to your chosen beneficiaries unless you’ve completed a valid BDBN. Learn how to take control, avoid trustee discretion, and ensure your loved ones receive what you intend.
What You’ll Learn:
-What a Binding Death Nomination (BDBN) is and why it’s essential
-Who can legally be nominated as beneficiaries
-How to correctly complete and validate a BDBN form
-Common mistakes and misconceptions to avoid
-Why reviewing and updating your nomination matters
Action Step:
Check your super fund today—download the BDBN form, complete it properly, and secure your family’s financial future.

In this heartfelt episode, Helen Nolan (CEO) shares the origin and impact of the Shane Warne Legacy, a foundation launched in honour of the late cricket legend. Helen recounts how the foundation began with a dream and quickly grew into Australia’s largest health screening event.
We discussed:
- How Shane’s passing inspired a movement for free health checks across Australia.
- The foundation’s partnerships with SiSU Health, La Trobe Health Services, and Diabetes Australia.
- The surprising statistics around men’s health and the rise in screenings since the initiative began.
- Real stories of lives changed—including one saved on the very day the foundation launched.
- The importance of recognising subtle symptoms of heart disease, especially in women.
- How the foundation is expanding into regional areas and major events like Boxing Day and Gather Round.Visit https://shanewarnelegacy.com to find your nearest health station and take four minutes that could change your life.

Connect with Helen:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-nolan-5679b4/

In this episode, we chat to Jenny Pearse (Marketing Consultant) and Nadia Docker (Compliance Expert) - to unpack what really matters when choosing a Financial Adviser. From communication style and credentials to compliance, scams, and digital presence, this conversation is packed with practical tips and real-world insights.

What We Cover:

✅ What to look for in a financial advisor (and what to avoid)
🧠 Why communication style and values alignment matter
📋 The standard six-step advice process explained
🚩 Red flags: product-pushing, rushed advice, call centre setups
🔍 How to use ASIC registers, advisor ratings, and Google to vet advisors
📱 The role of digital presence—and how to spot misleading content
💬 Why testimonials, reviews, and real stories matter
🧭 How to make informed, confident decisions about your financial future

Connect with Jenny

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennypearse/ 

Connect with Nadia

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiadocker/Jenesis
https://www.jenesis.net.au/
Kinetic Compliance
https://www.kineticcompliance.com.au/

In this episode, Vanguard's Senior Investment Specialist, Libby Newman returns to share her deep expertise in investments, index funds, and Vanguard’s long-term philosophy. She explains how index funds offer broad market exposure and why they’re a smart starting point for investors. Libby also breaks down the difference between ETFs and managed funds, emphasising that (Within Vanguard Funds) both are simply structures for accessing the same underlying investments.

The conversation explores market cycles, emotional investing, and the importance of staying the course—especially during downturns. Libby highlights Vanguard’s mission to make investing accessible and cost-effective, including their unique structure that returns profits to investors through lower fees.

In this solo episode of The Grass is Greener, host Tim Henry dives into the essentials of superannuation and why it's time to take charge of your financial future. From recent controversies involving Shield and First Guardian to practical steps for checking your super via myGov, Tim breaks down the myths, the mechanics, and the must-dos.
What you'll learn:
- Why superannuation is more secure than you might think
- The role of APRA in regulating super funds
- How to use myGov to track and manage your super
- Understanding investment options: growth vs. defensive assets
- The importance of checking your insurance before switching funds
Tim also previews upcoming episodes featuring strategies for superannuation, red flags in investment schemes, and how to find the right financial advisor.

In this episode, we sit down with Suzanne Alexander, founder of Mindful Finances, to explore the deep connection between money, emotions, and personal values. Suzanne shares her journey from farm life to financial advisor and how her passion for understanding the psychology of money led her to redefine wealth. We unpack how true wealth is more than just numbers — it’s about alignment, choice, and emotional well-being. From the power of self-awareness to the importance of community and contribution, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to craft a more intentional and fulfilling financial life.

Key Topics:

• The emotional and psychological side of money

• Why wealth is an inner journey

• How to align money with your values

• The myth of money as the sole path to happiness

• Creating your own definition of success and abundance

Mindful Finances Website

https://mindfulfinances.com.au/

Suzanne Alexander Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-alexander-mindful-finances/

Vision and Values Exercise

https://bit.ly/3BdXe36

In this episode, we sit down with Lucy Percy, estate planning lawyer and founder of Head and Heart Estate Planning, to explore the powerful benefits of a Testamentary Trust Willand how it differs from a standard Will. Lucy breaks down the key advantages of Testamentary Trusts, including:

- Tax effectiveness for beneficiaries, especially minors

- Asset protection from creditors, divorce, and financial mismanagement

- Greater control over how and when assets are distributed

- Flexibility for families with complex needs or blended structures

We also discuss common misconceptions, when a Testamentary Trust is most appropriate, and how it can be a smart move for long-term wealth preservation.
Whether you're planning your own estate or helping a loved one, this episode offers practical insights to help you make informed decisions.

Head and Heart Estate Planning:
https://www.headandheartestateplanning.com.au/
Aspire's Estate Planning Service & Resources:
https://www.aspireplanning.com.au/estate-planning

The process of divorce can be a challenging one, of course this differs for everyone. What are the specific things that confront people (especially women) when they start to divorce? How do you move forward positively and with more confidence despite undertaking this sometimes time arduous process. Heidi Schwegler from AFS Financial and Jordan Vaka from Planning Solo discuss these challenges and provide valuable insights for people at any point in the divorce process.

Connect with Heidi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-schwegler-9a8a7233/

Connect with Jordan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-vaka/

AHS Financial
https://www.ahsfinancial.com.au/
Planning Solo
https://www.planningsolo.com.au/

TGIG Live Event:

⁠⁠⁠Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement⁠

Do you have any form of Life Insurance? If you do, how does it align with your current stage of life?

Our needs for Life insurance evolve as we move through different stages. Serena West is a Financial Adviser with MBS insurance and comes on to discuss the various types of Life Insurance and how the need for these may change throughout your life.

We discussed these needs for: Young Singles / Couples, Starting a Family, Mature families and Families with Adult children.

Connect with Serena

https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-west-a2802152/MBS Insurance

https://mbsinsurance.com.au/

TGIG Live Event:

⁠⁠Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement⁠